Newsfeed
When it comes to living the Australian dream, Sydney has it all — iconic landmarks, stunning scenery, diverse culture, and some of the world’s best restaurants and cafes, all balanced between the energy of the city and the laid-back ease of its outer suburbs. There is so much to see and do, so to make your trip as seamless as possible, Grazia is here to guide you through one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the world. From where to stay and what to eat, to the places worth making time for — consider this your essential Sydney edit.
WHERE TO STAY
Capella
Capella Sydney is more than just a hotel — it is a curated celebration of design and architecture. Taking a heritage-listed building at the heart of the city and reimagining it into a chic, considered space, the hotel offers a luxurious stay complete with two signature restaurants and a world-class spa. Blending Australian history with contemporary styling, Capella delivers a true immersion into serenity and the spirit of Australian culture.
For more information to book, view their website here.
The Eve
Located in Redfern, The Eve Hotel is a creative, eccentric retreat that weaves the artistic flair of Sydney into every aspect of the experience. Each element is designed to exceed expectations — from the rooftop with its sweeping city views, to the boutique rooms that balance calm sanctuary with the vibrant spirit of the surrounding neighbourhood. Rich, considered interiors invite you to unwind and settle in, while Redfern’s thriving dining and art scene, and its strong, diverse culture, make it the perfect home away from home.
For more information to book, view their website here.
Pier One Sydney Harbour
Part of the Autograph Collection, Pier One Sydney Harbour encapsulates the essence of the city. Nestled beneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, the hotel is an ode to the area’s rich maritime heritage, blending contemporary style with a deep celebration of Australia’s natural beauty. Spectacular waterfront views of the Sydney skyline stretch across both the hotel and its pier-side restaurant, making every moment of the stay feel considered. A tribute to the scenic beauty that defines Sydney, Pier One is nothing short of a landmark experience.
For more information to book, view their website here.
Ace Hotel
Found in Sydney’s vibrant Surry Hills, Ace Hotel is the embodiment of contemporary Sydney. The hotel immerses guests in the city’s art and dining scene, with four spectacular restaurants on site — including the beloved Kiln, where Australian ingredients meet Scandinavian culinary technique. Throughout, the Ace celebrates Australia’s natural beauty through sleek simplicity, letting its kaleidoscopic culture speak for itself. From the curated art collection and buzzing dining scene to the beautifully minimal rooms, it’s the perfect base for any Sydney escape.
For more information to book, view their website here.
WHERE TO EAT
Totti’s
Totti’s on Bondi Road is a chic alfresco Italian eatery that embodies the laid-back Australian lifestyle — casual in feel, refined in execution. The menu is made for sharing, weaving Italian classics with modern touches across perfectly crafted small plates, house-made antipasto, flavour-packed pasta, and vibrant desserts. It’s the kind of Italian summer dining that lingers long after the meal. And if you go — do yourself a favour and order the house special Neapolitan ice cream sandwich.
For more information, view their website here.
Grana
At Grana, it all starts with the ingredients. From grain milled on site for the house-made pasta to carefully selected meat and dairy, quality is at the heart of everything on the menu. Each dish is transparently sourced, inviting diners to feel connected to the local community and producers behind their plate. The result is a celebration of Australian ingredients and rich, honest flavours — and an unmissable dining experience for anyone wanting to taste the very best of what this country has to offer.
For more information, view their website here.
Neptune’s Grotto
Tucked away in the streets near Circular Quay, Neptune’s Grotto is a sensual yet elegant dining experience. Its unassuming façade opens into a glamorous, candlelit space reminiscent of vintage New York Italian dining — intimate, atmospheric, and entirely transporting. The menu is a love letter to timeless Italian classics, from house-made focaccia and fried olives to tagliatelle al ragù. A testament to Italian luxury and glamour, Neptune’s Grotto is an unmissable stop on any Sydney dining itinerary.
For more information, view their website here.
Joji Sydney
Joji has mastered the art of simplicity within Japanese culinary tradition, while simultaneously pushing boundaries with vibrant, innovative flavours. Perched above the Cartier flagship store in the heart of Sydney, this glamorous rooftop restaurant is one of the city’s most exciting new dining experiences. The small plate tasting menu is best enjoyed as the golden hour sun sets over the skyline — and if you’re looking to extend the night, Joji transforms after 9pm into a lively venue with a DJ and a dance floor energy that’s hard to leave.
For more information, view their website here.
WHAT TO DO
Oxford Street Shopping
For the perfect boutique shopping experience, look no further than Paddington’s Oxford Street. A haven for Australian labels, independent boutiques, and local designers, it’s the kind of place where the shopping feels unhurried and intentional. Wander between stores and you’ll find dozens of neighbourhood restaurants and independent cafes tucked in between — ideal for slowing down and making a day of it. Relaxed, quality-focused, and quietly luxurious, Paddington’s Oxford Street offers something you won’t find anywhere else. Grab a coffee, take your time, and enjoy.
Strand Arcade
At the heart of Sydney sits the Strand Arcade, a heritage Victorian arcade that is as much a cultural landmark as it is a premium shopping destination. Its three levels of boutique stores unfold beneath soaring tinted windows, past intricate tiled floors and timber-framed shopfronts — a beautifully preserved reminder of another era. Opulent yet intimate, the Strand offers a shopping experience unlike any other in the city, and one that shouldn’t be missed.
For more information, view their website here.
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
Tucked within the Lavender Bay Parklands on Sydney’s North Shore, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden offers a secluded, verdant escape with sweeping views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Winding shaded paths lead you through lush greenery and out to breathtaking bayside outlooks. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature or simply step away from the pace of the city, this is the perfect spot to slow down and breathe.
For more information, view their website here.
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is home to over 4,000 works by Australian artists acquired since 1989, celebrating the breadth and depth of creative talent from across the country. Beyond its permanent collection, the museum hosts a rotating programme of exhibitions spotlighting emerging artists alongside the visionary figures shaping Australian art. Whatever brings you to Sydney, the MCA’s upcoming exhibitions are well worth making time for.
For more information, view their website here.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is a suburb on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, nestled on a narrow peninsula with three distinct shorelines, each offering spectacular views. Its quiet, secluded setting makes it the perfect escape from the city, while its stretching coastline is ideal for swimming, surfing, and sailing. With crystal-clear water and an untouched natural beauty, Palm Beach is the epitome of the Australian beach experience — and an unmissable destination.
WHERE TO SHOP
Camila and Marc
Shopping in Australia means tapping into a fantastic range of local labels that are reshaping the premium and luxury fashion markets — and gaining the global recognition they so rightly deserve. Camilla and Marc is no exception. This family-founded brand, shaped by siblings Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman, is dedicated to designing for women — crafting impeccably tailored, timeless ready-to-wear, leather goods, and accessories. Working at a slower pace, the label is redefining what elevated Australian fashion looks like. If it’s not already on your radar, it needs to be.
Shop now, Here.
Sir the label
SIR — Separates, Intimates, Ready-to-wear — has become an internationally beloved label, defined by its wardrobe essentials, minimalist silhouettes, and an unwavering focus on quality materials and production. The contemporary fashion house is redefining the capsule wardrobe, cutting through the noise of the fashion market with pieces that feel both distinctive and enduring. At its core, SIR takes the minimalist, laid-back Australian way of life and elevates it into something thoroughly modern and fashion-forward.
Shop now, Here.
Bec + Bridge
After going viral for the baby blue strapless dress worn by Kendall Jenner as a bridesmaid, Bec + Bridge have continued to carve out a distinct space in occasion wear. From elevated everyday staples and showstopping event pieces to seasonal beachwear and bridal, the label has built an aesthetic that is effortlessly cool and entirely its own. Whether you’re rounding out your wardrobe or dressing for a standout moment, Bec + Bridge delivers.
St. Agni
St. Agni is an independent design studio dedicated to reimagining the contemporary wardrobe. Working at a deliberately slower pace — where every action is intentional and considered — the label crafts precisely tailored garments that speak to a minimal aesthetic, balancing functionality with timeless beauty. Each effortless, chic piece is designed to seamlessly complement an existing wardrobe, making St. Agni one of Australia’s most compelling labels to know.
